Ultrafine particle exposure has been linked to serious health conditions in humans for many years now. The internet is full of articles discussing health studies, warnings and so on. These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and have been linked to serious health issues, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Exposure standards have been tightening, the World Health Organization has been publishing articles relating to exposure and the danger to humans (LINK) and a growing number of organizations across the world have been acquiring measurement systems and or instruments to try and monitor ultrafine particle levels in an effort to limit exposure, protect their staff and or the community.
What else has been happening ?
- Diesel particulate exposure standards in Australia were lowered in April 2024
- Welding fume exposure limits in Australia were dramatically lowered in 2024
- The Council of the EU updated their air quality directive to include measuring ultrafine particles in 2024
- New measurement technologies have been developed to help organizations monitor ultrafine particles
- Much more
What are ultrafine particles ?
Ultrafine particles are classified as particles 100nm or lower in size. The European union even sets a lower limit on these of 10nm. To measure these tiny particles you need specialized equipment. You cant use traditional optical particle counters, photometers, spectrometers, dust monitors and or related instruments. This eliminates roughly 99% of all your traditional optical particle counters and dust monitors on Earth and leaves only a select number of measurement instruments and technologies.
Where are ultrafine particles ?
Ultrafine particles are present in in many environments however in some environments they are artificially generated, sometimes carcinogenic and they can be present in very high concentrations. For example:
- Diesel particulates
- Welding fumes
- Fumes from airports and aircraft
- Vehicle exhaust from roads and traffic
- Combustion processes
- Industrial processes
- Manufacturing processes
- Others
For more information click HERE, feel free to contact Alpha Scientific on (03) 9124 9886 or email sales@alphascientific.com.au